On Thursday, August 20, the SAU officially launched SARQ 2026 at the El Yacht Playa Ramírez Building. The event brought together officials, representatives from institutions related to the sector, and professionals from the Uruguayan architecture community. Among those in attendance was Architect Gastón Boero, dean of the School of Architecture at the Universidad ORT Uruguay; and Dr. Luis Oreggioni, Architect, dean of the School of Architecture, Design, and Urban Planning (FADU) at the University of the Republic (Uruguay); and Dr. Felipe Reyno, director of the Architecture, Design, and Environment program at the Catholic University of Uruguay (UCU).
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The event was moderated by architect Eleonora Navatta and began with remarks by architect Alberto Leira, president of the SAU, who presented the new edition.
The Main Themes of SARQ 2026
During the launch, architect Héctor Berio presented the thematic framework for SARQ 2026, which focuses on the centennial of Art Deco in Uruguay. Among the announced events is an exhibition that will open at the Banco República Foundation.
The professional segment was led by Architect Juan Montans, a member of the SAU Executive Committee, who emphasized the importance of raising awareness of architectural work and recognizing the value of professional projects and achievements.
SARQ 2026 has tes the institutional support from the School of Architecture at the Universidad ORT Uruguay, the School of Architecture, Design, and Urban Planning at the University of the Republic (FADU-Udelar), and the Architecture, Design, and Environment program at the Catholic University of Uruguay (UCU).
- You might also be interested in reading: “Open Call to Represent Uruguay at the 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale”
Programme from SARQ 2026
The official SARQ 2026 program includes the following activities:
Monday, September 7
- 6:30 p.m.: Opening of Architecture Week and the exhibition dedicated to Art Deco in Uruguay, at the Fundación Banco República (1520 Zabala).
- 8:00 p.m.: Toast.
- 8:30 p.m.: Lantern Night, a tour of Old Town led by Ramiro Rodríguez Barilari.
Tuesday, September 8
- From 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.: Access to open art installations, according to the SAU schedule.
- 5:00 p.m.: Presentation of “Extopia: The Artigas Building Between Manhattan and Montevideo,” by architect Cecilia Scheps, at the Artigas Building Cultural Space (Rincón 487, lower level).
- From 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.: Presentation Session for Professional Projects at FADU-Udelar (1031 Artigas Blvd., Room 20A).
Wednesday, September 9
- From 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.: Access to open art installations, according to the SAU schedule.
- 5:00 p.m.: Presentation titled “Viral: Floor Plans, Roofs, and Gutters,” by Architect Laura Alemán, at the Banco República Foundation (1520 Zabala).
- From 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.: Professional Work Presentation Session in the Auditorium of the San José Building at UCU (2733 Av. 8 de Octubre).
Thursday, September 10
- From 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.: Access to open art installations, according to the SAU schedule.
- 5:00 p.m.: “The El Mástil Building and Its Urban Setting,” a presentation and tour led by architects Carla Nobile and María Eugenia Puppo (3105 Brasil Ave. at the corner of J. Benito Blanco).
- From 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.: Presentation of Professional Projects at the School of Architecture of the National University of the South ( Universidad ORT Uruguay), Pocitos Campus Auditorium (2627 España Blvd.).
Friday, September 11
- 6:00 p.m.: Panel discussion: “The Roaring Twenties: Art Deco and Its Cultural Context,” featuring Laura Malosetti, M.A., Prof. Mónica Salandrú, Prof. Inés de Torres, and architect William Rey Ashfield.
- 7:30 p.m.: Performance of the pieces “Fabricación,” “Aserradero,” and “Fundición” by composer Carmen Barradas, performed by pianist Patricia Mendoza.
- 8:00 p.m.: Awards ceremony and recognition of the projects submitted to the Final Degree Project competition.
- Closing toast.
Saturday, September 12
- 1:00 p.m.: First Art Deco tour along 18 de Julio, led by Peatonal Tours. Meeting point: Plaza Independencia, at the corner of 18 de Julio.
- 3:30 p.m.: Second Art Deco tour along 18 de Julio, led by Peatonal Tours. Meeting point: the plaza in front of Montevideo City Hall.
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The building chosen for the launch
The event concluded with a presentation by architect Conrado Pintos, a member of the team that carried out the 2016 renovation and restoration of the building originally known as the Yacht Club-Playa Ramírez. During his presentation, he shared his experiences regarding that process.
Check out the SARQ 2026 schedule
The building was designed by architect Buenaventura Addiego in 1937. Its restoration contributes to Art Deco heritage of Montevideo, a theme linked to one of the main pillars of SARQ 2026.